Do You Watch Reels Before Bedtime? This Study Claims It May Lead To Hypertension
A recent study published in BMC Journal revealed that the time spent watching short videos before bedtime was closely associated with hypertension in young and middle-aged people.
Scrolling through social media and binge-watching short videos has become an almost automatic part of our daily routine. However, a recent study published in the BMC Journal has highlighted a concerning link between the time spent watching reels before bedtime and the risk of developing hypertension in young and middle-aged individuals.
The research team from China’s Hebei Medical University including Fengde Li, Fangfang Ma, Shangyu Liu, Le Wang, Lishuang Ji, Mingqi Zheng and Gang Liu, analysed data from 4,318 participants who self-reported their screen time and underwent medical examinations between January and September 2023. The study specifically focused on the screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime.
related stories
- Techie Claims Rs 3.6 LPA Job Is 'Not Bad' For Graduates From 'Tier 500 Colleges'
- Watch: Brave Zebra Fights Off Crocodile's Deadly Attack And Survives
- 'My Salary Remained As Frozen As My Hopes': Man's Witty Resignation Letter Is Trending
- Britannia's Eco-Friendly Billboards Take Shape Around Trees, Internet Lauds 'Creativity'
“While traditional screen time encompasses the time spent watching television, playing video games and using computers, for example, people may watch television accompanied by a certain amount of physical activity, our study was based on screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime, which is more reflective of a sedentary nature," it stated.
The results found that prolonged screen time spent watching short videos at night was linked to higher rates of hypertension.
“The screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime was significantly associated with essential hypertension in young and middle-aged people," the researchers concluded.
The researchers also noted that the habit of watching these videos before sleep might cause sympathetic arousal (the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for action).
The researchers recommended limiting screen time at night. In addition, they advised controlling body weight, blood lipids, blood glucose and uric acid levels as well as reducing high-sodium diets to help lower the risk of high blood pressure which can lead to serious heart conditions.
The study gained attention when Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, a Bengaluru-based cardiologist, shared it on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Apart from being a major distraction and waste of time, reel addiction is also associated with high blood pressure in young and middle-aged people. Time to uninstall."
Dr Krishnamurthy’s post amassed more than a million views and attracted a range of reactions from social media users.
One user agreed, commenting, “Completely agree!! Even I have felt it personally!!"
Another wrote, “Reel addiction is a real threat"
“Not making this up. Saw one person in my office watching reels and peeing at the same time! Multi-tasking! On a serious note, it goes to show the amount of addiction," someone shared.
- Location :
- First Published: